Mehbooba Mufti, Omar Abdullah condemn India’s decision to revoke Article 370

President of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party Mehbooba Mufti termed the BJP's move to revoke Article 370 as the darkest day in Indian democracy.

“Decision of J&K leadership to reject 2 nation theory in 1947 & align with India has backfired. Unilateral decision of GOI to scrap Article 370 is illegal & unconstitutional which will make India an occupation force in J&K,” Mufti wrote on Twitter.

The Indian government on Monday introduced a resolution to scrap Article 370 of the Constitution which grants special status to occupied Kashmir, as tensions mounted in the disputed valley with unprecedented numbers of Indian troops deployed in the region.

“It will have catastrophic consequences for the subcontinent. GOIs intentions are clear. They want the territory of J&K by terrorising it’s people. India has failed Kashmir in keeping its promises,” Mufti added.

She added that the BJP wanted to change the demography of the only Muslim majority state in India and disempower Muslims to the extent where they become second class citizens in their own state.

A day earlier, Mufti and Omar Abdullah were placed under house-arrest as curfew-like restrictions were imposed in India occupied Kashmir.

“Already under house arrest & not allowed to have visitors either. Not sure how long I’ll be able to communicate. Is this the India we acceded to?” Mufti tweeted on her arrest.  

'Long and tough battle lies ahead'

Former Chief Minister of India occupied Kashmir Omar Abdullah termed the unilateral move by the Indian government to revoke Articles 370 and 35A as a total betrayal of the trust that the Kashmiri people had reposed in India when the state acceded to it in 1947.

“The decisions will have far-reaching and dangerous consequences,” Abdullah said in a statement.

He added that the unilateral, illegal and unconstitutional decisions will be challenged by the National Conference. “A long and tough battle lies ahead. We are ready for that.”